Tag Archives: New Zealand

Matua Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago, New Zealand

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New Zealand does Pinot Noir as good as the best in the world. There is wonderful red fruit on the nose. It’s silky smooth, elegant and quite light, yet there are deep complex flavours with hints of dark berries with a touch of pepper and spices. Great levels of acidity, tannins excellent length and a perfect finish.

As you get the idea I loved this wine, I’m surprised it only got a silver medal at the IWSC, for me this is so Gold or above. The only downside is the price at over £30 a bottle which would put people off. Just do it, order it today.

Matua Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago, New Zealand

Matua Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago, New Zealand

 

Sticky – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc desert wine

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I am a fan of desert wines, sip on their own or have with, well desert, they give that warm, sweet happy feeling. I accept that those feelings could be caused by all the other alcohol drunk earlier in the evening.

Thereare a few excellent desert wines coming from Australia and New Zealand, the Ned, D’arenberg and De Bortoli, who produced a Decanter gold medal winner under the Tesco Finest label a few years ago.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Waihopai Valley is similar to D’arenberg’s Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay. The grapes have been allowed to hang on the vine for longer allowing them to really ripen and suffer from Botrytis for extra sweetness. There are aromas and flavours of honey, citrus and apricot. The acidity is high but is wonderfully balanced, never drink too much, just sip and enjoy. At £16 for 500ml its very good value.

Sticky - New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc desert wine

Sticky – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc desert wine

Main Divide, Pinot Noir from New Zealand

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We spent the  on an old sailing barge that sailed out of Ipswich. On the way back to the train station we stopped off at the Majestic Ipswich store. They have a new system there where the wines are ordered in style rather than just country, which makes choosing a wine much much easier. Well done to Majestic for doing something that really helps the average customer.

Chris the manager showed us a wine he had opened for a previous customer called the Main Divide, a Pinot Noir from New Zealand. It had aromas of oak and smoke with black fruit. The the flavours were quite rich, black fruit, spice and a smokey undertone which was refreshing for a Pinot Noir. This was not a weak red but had character. At £20 a bottle it’s not cheap but it is a cracking wine.

Main Divide, Pinot Noir from New

Main Divide, Pinot Noir from New

Lawson Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand

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Lawson Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc was a favourite of ours at one stage. It was one of the the better New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs but like many times we got distracted by the next wine and forgot it. The reserve is even better with aromas and flavours of citrus, ripe apple, peach and gooseberry. It has the usual high acidity but its subtle for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, more french style but with more lemon notes. Normally you would pair this with sea food but it went very well with a  vegetable stir-fry. At £15 a bottle it’s in the Greywacke price band but I think it holds its own against that iconic wine.

Lawson Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand

Lawson Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand

Lawson Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and vegetable stir-fry

Lawson Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and vegetable stir-fry